Itchy Nipples Breastfeeding

Itchy Nipples Breastfeeding

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy .
Melissa Kotlen has been advising mothers on breastfeeding issues for 17 years. She is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and a Registered Nurse (RN), with additional background in Midwifery. Melissa also provides lactation guidance and assists with business development matters for MommaWork, a company focusing on supporting working mothers. Melissa assists women on breastfeeding issues in private, classroom,... more
Rohit Garoo did MBA from Osmania University and holds a certificate in Developmental Psychology from The University of Queensland. The zoologist-botanist turned writer-editor has over 8 years of experience in content writing, content marketing, and copywriting. He has also done an MBA in marketing and human resources and worked in the domains of market research and e-commerce. Rohit writes topics... more
Melissa Kotlen has been advising mothers on breastfeeding issues for 17 years. She is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and a Registered Nurse (RN), with additional background in Midwifery. Melissa also provides ... more
Rohit Garoo did MBA from Osmania University and holds a certificate in Developmental Psychology from The University of Queensland. The zoologist-botanist turned writer-editor has over 8 years of exper... more
MomJunction believes in providing reliable, research-backed information to you. As per our strong editorial policy requirements, we base our health articles on references (citations) taken from authority sites, international journals, and research studies. However, if you find any incongruencies, feel free to write to us .
It is not uncommon for new mothers to experience itchy breasts while breastfeeding. It is one of the many other problems of breastfeeding that may bother first-time mothers. At times, it may interfere with breastfeeding. However, breastfeeding is essential, especially for the first six months of the baby’s life, and therefore if itchy breasts are bothersome, you must consult your doctor. Read this post to know more about the causes, treatment, and prevention of itchy breasts during pregnancy.
There are several reasons why your breasts can get itchy during lactation. Here are the common ones.
Thrush is a yeast infection of the nipples. The biological name of yeast is Candida, and it is a type of fungus. Candida is usually harmless and found in various parts of the body (1) . But the fungus can multiply and cause infection in the moist parts of the body like those around the nipple. Thrush is often the common cause of itchy breasts and nipples among lactating mothers.
In some cases of thrush, the baby’s tongue has a layer/coating of white material. They may also have a diaper rash . You may have gotten the infection from the baby or may have transmitted the disease unknowingly as you may have passed on vaginal yeast infection during vaginal delivery.
Mastitis is the engorgement of the breast due to the retention of the milk in the milk ducts (3) . Bacteria can enter the milk ducts through a cracked or pierced nipple and infect the milk ducts and the fatty tissue, thus causing a breast infection (4) .
Eczema can affect the breast skin and nipples too. Eczema is a group of diseases that can cause inflammation, itchiness, and redness of the skin (5) . One category of eczema, which is medically called dermatitis, is contact dermatitis (6) . This type of dermatitis can affect the breasts, due to repeated friction caused by breastfeeding (7) .
Your breasts are filled with milk during lactation, which can cause the skin around them to expand rapidly and form stretch marks that can get itchy (8) .
Many skin infections can cause itchiness of the skin. A few examples are scabies and ringworm that can affect skin on the breasts too (9) (10) .
If the itchiness is due to any of the conditions mentioned here, treating them helps reduce the itchiness of the skin.
Several cases of itchy breasts require no formal diagnosis or treatment. But in some scenarios you must get yourself check by the doctor:
The treatment of itchy breasts depends on the fundamental cause of the condition. Most cases require minimal intervention and can resolve on their own. However, some severe cases will require medication. Treatment options for such conditions include:
Managing the underlying condition at home is also a good way of alleviating and also preventing itchy breasts.
Here is how to contain and prevent itchiness of breasts.
These steps help minimize the risk of mastitis/breast infection, which is one of the causes of itchiness of breast. Moisturizing the skin helps minimize the irritation caused by stretch marks, which do not have a cure.
Itchy breasts while breastfeeding are bothersome if associated with conditions such as thrush, mastitis, and eczema. Fortunately, in most cases, itchy breasts do not require a diagnosis and subside by themselves; however, it is important to seek a doctor’s advice if your itchiness interferes with breastfeeding, is accompanied by pain, or breast lumps. Keeping your breasts dry, wearing loose clothing, and moisturizing your nipples could help prevent the condition. In addition, antifungal medications and antibiotics might work in alleviating the itchiness.
Copyright 2011 - 2022 MomJunction Private Limited.
All rights reserved. This information is for educational purposes only and not a substitution for professional health services. See a medical professional for personalized consultation. Read for more information .

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy .
Melissa Kotlen has been advising mothers on breastfeeding issues for 17 years. She is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and a Registered Nurse (RN), with additional background in Midwifery. Melissa also provides lactation guidance and assists with business development matters for MommaWork, a company focusing on supporting working mothers. Melissa assists women on breastfeeding issues in private, classroom,... more
Rohit Garoo did MBA from Osmania University and holds a certificate in Developmental Psychology from The University of Queensland. The zoologist-botanist turned writer-editor has over 8 years of experience in content writing, content marketing, and copywriting. He has also done an MBA in marketing and human resources and worked in the domains of market research and e-commerce. Rohit writes topics... more
Melissa Kotlen has been advising mothers on breastfeeding issues for 17 years. She is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and a Registered Nurse (RN), with additional background in Midwifery. Melissa also provides ... more
Rohit Garoo did MBA from Osmania University and holds a certificate in Developmental Psychology from The University of Queensland. The zoologist-botanist turned writer-editor has over 8 years of exper... more
MomJunction believes in providing reliable, research-backed information to you. As per our strong editorial policy requirements, we base our health articles on references (citations) taken from authority sites, international journals, and research studies. However, if you find any incongruencies, feel free to write to us .
It is not uncommon for new mothers to experience itchy breasts while breastfeeding. It is one of the many other problems of breastfeeding that may bother first-time mothers. At times, it may interfere with breastfeeding. However, breastfeeding is essential, especially for the first six months of the baby’s life, and therefore if itchy breasts are bothersome, you must consult your doctor. Read this post to know more about the causes, treatment, and prevention of itchy breasts during pregnancy.
There are several reasons why your breasts can get itchy during lactation. Here are the common ones.
Thrush is a yeast infection of the nipples. The biological name of yeast is Candida, and it is a type of fungus. Candida is usually harmless and found in various parts of the body (1) . But the fungus can multiply and cause infection in the moist parts of the body like those around the nipple. Thrush is often the common cause of itchy breasts and nipples among lactating mothers.
In some cases of thrush, the baby’s tongue has a layer/coating of white material. They may also have a diaper rash . You may have gotten the infection from the baby or may have transmitted the disease unknowingly as you may have passed on vaginal yeast infection during vaginal delivery.
Mastitis is the engorgement of the breast due to the retention of the milk in the milk ducts (3) . Bacteria can enter the milk ducts through a cracked or pierced nipple and infect the milk ducts and the fatty tissue, thus causing a breast infection (4) .
Eczema can affect the breast skin and nipples too. Eczema is a group of diseases that can cause inflammation, itchiness, and redness of the skin (5) . One category of eczema, which is medically called dermatitis, is contact dermatitis (6) . This type of dermatitis can affect the breasts, due to repeated friction caused by breastfeeding (7) .
Your breasts are filled with milk during lactation, which can cause the skin around them to expand rapidly and form stretch marks that can get itchy (8) .
Many skin infections can cause itchiness of the skin. A few examples are scabies and ringworm that can affect skin on the breasts too (9) (10) .
If the itchiness is due to any of the conditions mentioned here, treating them helps reduce the itchiness of the skin.
Several cases of itchy breasts require no formal diagnosis or treatment. But in some scenarios you must get yourself check by the doctor:
The treatment of itchy breasts depends on the fundamental cause of the condition. Most cases require minimal intervention and can resolve on their own. However, some severe cases will require medication. Treatment options for such conditions include:
Managing the underlying condition at home is also a good way of alleviating and also preventing itchy breasts.
Here is how to contain and prevent itchiness of breasts.
These steps help minimize the risk of mastitis/breast infection, which is one of the causes of itchiness of breast. Moisturizing the skin helps minimize the irritation caused by stretch marks, which do not have a cure.
Itchy breasts while breastfeeding are bothersome if associated with conditions such as thrush, mastitis, and eczema. Fortunately, in most cases, itchy breasts do not require a diagnosis and subside by themselves; however, it is important to seek a doctor’s advice if your itchiness interferes with breastfeeding, is accompanied by pain, or breast lumps. Keeping your breasts dry, wearing loose clothing, and moisturizing your nipples could help prevent the condition. In addition, antifungal medications and antibiotics might work in alleviating the itchiness.
Copyright 2011 - 2022 MomJunction Private Limited.
All rights reserved. This information is for educational purposes only and not a substitution for professional health services. See a medical professional for personalized consultation. Read for more information .

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Pumping breast milk may be necessary if you plan to return to work or if you will be away from your baby for another reason. Unfortunately, like breastfeeding, pumping can cause blisters and pain, especially in the beginning. There are two types of blisters that commonly develop on the nipples from pumping. The first, sometimes called a milk blister, appears when a thin layer of skin grows over a nipple pore, blocking milk flow.
The second type is a friction blister and usually develops in response to incorrect positioning of the breast pump. Blisters from pumping increase the risk of yeast and bacterial infections and therefore require treatment.
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Wash your nipple with clean water and a very mild soap. If soap is too drying, wash your nipples with a mild saline solution.
Sterilize a needle by pouring rubbing alcohol over it and use it to gently open the top of a milk blister to encourage draining. Cover the blister with an antibiotic ointment and keep it moist until healing is complete.
Check the position of the flange, or shield, on your nipple when you are pumping to determine if friction may be to blame for your nipple blisters. The flange should be the right size for your nipple and centered to prevent friction and blisters. If incorrect fit is a factor, try a different size or shape flange.
Try pumping more often for shorter periods. This may decrease skin irritation and help heal your blisters.
Apply warm compresses to your nipples to help ease pain and encourage the blisters to pop on their own.
Wipe some freshly expressed breast milk onto your nipples periodically throughout the day. Breast milk acts as a mild antibacterial agent and can help prevent the blisters from becoming infected.
Use a lanolin cream to speed healing of your nipples and ease discomfort. Lanolin cream is safe for your baby to ingest during breastfeeding, and it should not interfere with using your breast pump.
Wear breast shields inside your bra to prevent the fabric from making contact with and sticking to your blisters.
Sandra Ketcham has nearly two decades of experience writing and editing for major websites and magazines. Her work appears in numerous web and print publications, including "The Atlanta Journal-Constitution," "The Tampa Bay Times," Visit Florida, "USA Today," AOL's Gadling and "Kraze Magazine."
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